NESTLED up the mountains on a pristine festival site, Bilbao BBK Live Festival 2025 is not only one of the gems in the European Festival calendar it still feels special… even in the 19 years of the event. With big bands, big heart and big beauty making Bilbao BBK Live Festival what it is, the way we felt leaving this year’s edition meant it’s guaranteed to be a regular feature in our festival season.
Pulp are the moment. They are fresh from celebrating 30 years since their very first Glastonbury Festival and the energy they brought to Bilbao didn’t waver any at all.
Jarvis Cocker and his crew Pulp gave us a masterclass. Playing a back catalogue that’s hard to rival, tracks like “Common People,” “Disco 2000,” and “Do You Remember the First Time?” feel vintage, timeless and current all at the same time. Jarvis’s stage presence is mesmerising; he still effortlessly commands a stage with the wit and charm he did that very first Glastonbury 30 years ago.
The number one act of the festival though, was without a doubt Kneecap. Watching from side of stage with the band, it is obvious to see the impact they have on the world right now. With a heart, aggression and passion like no other, their political edge had the crowd bouncing in unison. “C.E.A.R.T.A” and new unreleased tracks sent waves of adrenaline across the crowd as well as many Palenstine flags held high in the sky by the majority of the crowd. It was a protest and party all rolled into one.
A true pop force. RAYE’s live vocals were spine-tingling, her storytelling emotional and fierce. Whether tearing through “Escapism.” or slowing things down with piano ballads, she held the crowd in the palm of her hand. Her performance wasn’t just polished – it was personal and a truly incredible live act to see.
The Madrid rockers brought sun-drenched indie energy and unfiltered charm. Their chemistry was infectious, and their jangly guitars and punky hooks offered a much-needed dose of fun and chaos. Their set felt like dancing through a garage party at golden hour.
Pure punk carnage — in the best possible way. Amy Taylor was an unstoppable force, prowling the stage like a force of nature and tearing through tracks like “Guided by Angels” and “Security” with reckless brilliance. The band’s performance was dirty, loud, and completely exhilarating. If anyone needed a reminder that rock isn’t dead, Amyl and the Sniffers came to scream it in your face.
Beyond the mainstage grabs, BBK Live curated a seriously impressive lineup across secondary stages. I discovered emerging Basque artists alongside beachy indie and electronic acts that kept me going between headliners. The transitions were seamless, meaning I never felt stuck—or that my time was wasted waiting.
From the moment I entered the festival grounds, I felt the passion of the organisers. Staged atop Mount Cobetas with panoramic views over Bilbao, the production—sound, lighting, staging—was seamless. Enormous screens, crystal-clear sound, and communal chill zones made it one of the most immersive music experiences I’ve ever attended.
Bilbao BBK Live, we’ll see you again very soon. 5/5
